Vertigo

Definition

Vertigo is a feeling of spinning or whirling when you are not moving. It can also be an exaggerated feeling of motion when your body is still. Vertigo is a symptom that can be caused by many different conditions. Vertigo is different from passing dizziness or lightheadedness.

Causes

Inner ear nerves and structures sense the position of your head and body in space. Vertigo is often caused by problems with these nerves and structures. Less commonly, it is due to problems in the brain.

Vertigo can be classified as:

Vertigo of Peripheral Origin

Vertigo of peripheral origin is caused by problems of the inner ear. It is the most common type of vertigo. Causes may include:

Vertigo of Central Origin

Vertigo of central origin is not as common as vertigo of peripheral origin, but it is more serious. This type of vertigo is affects the brainstem or the cerebellum, the region of the brain that controls balance. Causes may include:

Treatment

Vertigo is a symptom of another medical condition. Treatment will focus managing the underlying medical condition. Efforts may also be used to decrease the symptoms of vertigo. These may include one or more of the following:

Medications

Antihistamines

Benzodiazepines

Anticholinergics

Antiemetics

In some cases, you may need to stop taking medications that may be causing your vertigo.

Lifestyle Changes

Living with vertigo can be challenging, but not impossible. Try these tips:

If you are in a crowded open space, or out in public:

Use a cane to help with balance and mobility

Sit at one end of the sports field or theater to avoid moving your head back and forth

Bring a stool or chair so you can sit down when you need to

Schedule your day around peak times when places are crowded

Other tips:

Don't read or work on a computer if you are moving

Don't fly if you have sinus or ear problems due to an infection

Avoid loud background music and harsh lighting

Try to eat smaller meals throughout the day

Drink plenty of fluids

Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine

Prevention

There are no current guidelines to prevent vertigo.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Dizziness and vertigo. The Merck Manual Professional Edition. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/ear%5Fnose%5Fand%5Fthroat%5Fdisorders/approach%5Fto%5Fthe%5Fpatient%5Fwith%5Fear%5Fproblems/dizziness%5Fand%5Fvertigo.html. Updated January 2009. Accessed April 25, 2013.

9/10/2014 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance. http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed: University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing, Family Practitioner Program. Evaluation of vertigo in the adult patient. Austin (Tx): University of Texas at Austin, School of Nursing; 2014 May. 19 p. Available at: http://www.guideline.gov/content.aspx?id=48220#Section427. Accessed September 10, 2014.